North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth is calling on the Nassau County Executive, Police Commissioner and Legislature to undo the 2012 merging of the Sixth and Third Police Precincts. The merged precinct extends from Manorhaven in Port Washington all the way to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, and includes Roosevelt Field Mall.
In a letter sent last week to County Executive Ed Mangano, Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter and seven county legislators whose districts are covered by the former Sixth and current Third precincts, Supervisor Bosworth said: “In February 2012, I expressed my grave concern—to the County Legislature, to the County Executive and my constituents—about the County Executive’s plan calling for the elimination of four out of the eight then-operating police precincts, including the Sixth Precinct in Manhasset. At that time we were told that the Sixth Precinct would become a ‘community policing center’ staffed by two police officers, down from 38 (police officers), and that administrative work would shift to the Third Precinct.”
Supervisor Bosworth said at the time that she believed that the merged precinct would stretch resources so thin that the level of personalized service would be compromised.
“While the Third Precinct does its best to protect and serve the residents, this merger was an ill-conceived idea,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “After hearing from many of my constituents, my concerns expressed in 2012 were well-founded. Residents believe that their safety has been compromised. It’s time for county officials to reconsider the merger and open the Sixth Precinct once again.”
Supervisor Bosworth also cited the recent terror attacks in Paris and San Bernardino saying, “It is imminently clear that the police must have their finger on the pulse of the community to prevent such atrocities. With the diminished resources in the Third Precinct, that becomes less and less likely.”
Town residents have also spoken out in support of reopening the Sixth Precinct.
Sue Auriemma, secretary of the Council of Greater Manhasset Civic Associations said, “As a resident involved in the civic community in Manhasset, I am grateful to Supervisor Bosworth for continuing to insist on reopening the Sixth Precinct. While the county continues to attest that there was no reduction in services because patrol car assignments remained the same, the reality is the administration is spread too thin and crucial positions such as plain clothes officers have been eliminated. These types of cuts have absolutely affected service. Residents are concerned about both quality of life issues and their public safety.”
“We, in Manhasset Hills and Herricks, know first-hand that more police presence equals decreased crime in our area,” said Juleigh Chin, community leader and resident of Manhasset Hills. “When the Third precinct combined with the Sixth, something had to give somewhere. The Third precinct is spread too thin to concentrate and adequately respond to and protect our residential areas in addition to the commercial properties and malls within their territory. I implore the county to readjust the precincts, for the safety and protection of all the citizens of Nassau County.”
Supervisor Bosworth said that the letter had the support of the all the members of the North Hempstead Town Board.
To see the letter in its entirety, visit www.northhempsteadny.gov/sixthprecinctletter.
—Submitted by Town of North Hempstead
